PHCC warns the public in Qatar about the severe health risks linked to using smokeless tobacco, especially a type called “Sweika.” Many people wrongly believe that Sweika is safer than smoking. However, PHCC warns that this product causes serious and widespread health problems.
Sweika, also known as “Shamma” or “Tombak,” contains specially processed tobacco often mixed with nicotine and other chemicals. People place it inside their mouths and hold it there before removing it. Although some consider it harmless, PHCC warns that direct contact with tobacco in the mouth greatly increases health risks.
Dr. Jinan Mohammed Suleiman, a family physician at PHCC, emphasized that Sweika harms not only the mouth but also the esophagus, colon, pancreas, and bladder. When users absorb and swallow the tobacco juices, harmful substances spread throughout the body.
Moreover, PHCC warns that using Sweika damages taste perception, which reduces the enjoyment of food. It also triggers gum inflammation, encourages tartar buildup, and leads to severe tooth decay. Over time, teeth turn brown or black and lose their healthy appearance.
Additionally, Sweika raises blood pressure and narrows the coronary blood vessels. These changes directly increase the risk of heart attacks.
Most alarmingly, long-term Sweika use leads to higher rates of cancer. Many users develop cancers in the mouth, gums, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
To help people quit, PHCC warns and urges individuals to take advantage of its specialized tobacco cessation clinics. These clinics offer medical consultations and continuous support from trained doctors.
People can book appointments easily by calling PHCC’s customer service or through a referral from their physician.
Furthermore, PHCC clinics provide different treatment options. For example, behavioral therapy helps change harmful habits, while pharmacological treatments reduce dependence on nicotine. Nicotine patches help maintain stable nicotine levels throughout the day. Another option, varenicline, blocks certain brain receptors and makes nicotine less enjoyable.
Finally, PHCC physicians design personalized plans after evaluating each patient’s health and level of addiction. PHCC warns that immediate action is essential to avoid life-threatening health problems. By quitting today, individuals can protect their health and improve their quality of life.
